Hot Flashes

The muggy, hot weather from mid-July to September is known as the dog days of summer. The name comes from the rising and the setting of Sirius (the Dog Star) during this time of year (and not from how a canine reacts to summer temperatures).

It is vital to know the difference between heat exhaustion and a heatstroke. Below is what you need to know to possibly one day save someone’s life.

Heat exhaustion happens when one’s body overheats due to hot weather, exercise, or a combination of these two. During a time like this, one may experience heavy sweating, weakness, disoriented (anxious, confused), dizziness, nausea, headache, fast heartbeat, and dehydration (evident by dark-colored urine).

This ailment can be treated quickly by removing the patient from the heat into an air-conditioned building. If that isn’t possible, find a cool, shady location. Drink plenty of water (or other beverages) Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages, which will can dehydrate the patient and make the issue worse.

Remove tight (or unnecessary) clothing to cool the patient down. Taking a cool shower, bath, or dabbing the skin with cold water are helpful in bringing the body temperature down. If things do not improve in thirty minutes, a doctor should be contacted, or heat exhaustion could progress into the more serious condition of heat stroke.

Heatstroke happens when one’s body has reached an internal temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (or higher). In addition to all of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, it has the ability life-altering ability to cause damage to the organs and brain and could eventually result in death (if not treated immediately).

In addition to the symptoms of heat exhaustion, look for a flushed (or red) appearance to the skin, intensity of headaches may increase, elevated body temperature (to at least 104), lack of sweating, muscle weakness (or cramps), vomiting, fast heartbeat (and breathing), and seizures.

What can be done to help someone with this medical issue? Call 911(emergency medical personnel) immediately. In addition to performing the above steps for heat exhaustion, one can also apply ice packs to the person's armpits, groin, neck and back. These areas contain a lot of blood vessels close the surface of the skin. Dealing with them can help the patient feel cooler.

The heat index measures how hot it feels outside in the shade. (It is not the same as the outdoor temperature.) A heat index of 90 degrees or higher is dangerous. Here are suggestions to use when this is the case.

.                             1.  Wear clothing (that is loose-fitting, lightweight, and       light-colored). Wear a hat (or use an umbrella). Use sunscreen strength of with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.

2.  Drink plenty of water before beginning strenuous outdoor activity. (Avoid alcohol and caffeine; sports drinks can help.) Plan fewer vigorous activities outside. If you must, do them during the cooler times of the day (before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m).

3.  When outside, take twenty minute drink breaks frequently. If you have a chronic medical problem, ask your doctor about how to deal with the heat (or fluid consumption outdoors)

It matters little what season of the year is (or the temperature outside), the Heavenly Father’s love for you has always been constant. Can the same be said of you for Him?

Hosea 13:5-6 (MSG) compassionately provides us with this reminder from God (of where He was during those difficult times in your life).

 “I took care of you during the wilderness hard times; those years when you had nothing… [and I] gave you everything you needed.”